What if Martin Luther King Jr. never lived? The Civil Rights Movement would not have had the man who, in speaking truth to power, worked to bring about the most inclusive coalition of people across all nationalities, ethnicities, religions, economic levels, political parties, young, old, and the disabled to understand that civil rights (and the later term, social justice) are not only legally attainable but morally imperative.

They're attainable because our country is governed by the people we elect. He espoused “give us the ballot and we will vote.” Vote into office people of good will. Vote for people who look like we do and therefore know our needs — but as importantly, know our pain.

People who understand that when we work together we not only improve the lot of the few (African Americans, Latinos, Islanders, et al.) we strengthen and make new opportunities for all of us. Improved social understanding and economic development are had; and because the needs are crystallized, the ability to directly tackle the issues and concerns have made us a beacon to the world.

Who benefits when homelessness increases, health care is withdrawn, our people are without food and our educational system remains “separate and unequal”? The 1 percent, because they know when they can go “on the cheap,” they pocket the difference.

Dr. King’s professed primary purpose in life was that of a Baptist preacher. He preached that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the example that led his life. His preaching allowed for all of the ills of this nation to be understood.

Dr. King was a living, and now historical, example of living the Word. Was he perfect? Not at all. He told his congregation he wasn't a saint but a sinner, like all of God's children, but he wanted to be a good man.

This country, founded on a moral foundation, hasn’t practiced it well. Morality doesn’t change. It’s either practiced or it is not. Right is right. Wrong is wrong. We (Man) created the gray area. But that’s been true from the beginning of time. We have the ability to change that.

What if Martin Luther King Jr. never lived? I believe we’d be less able to truly understand the progress that’s been made and see the steps being taken to reverse that progress.

Dr. King is one of three men to be honored with a national holiday. Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and Presidents' Day, celebrating the birth of George Washington, are the other two. That’s pretty extraordinary company.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr would be 89 years old on Monday Jan. 15, his actual birthday. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his assassination. He accomplished much in 39 years on Earth That’s why his living should not be in vain.

Benny C. Williams' column originally appeared in the Salem (Ore.) Statesman Journal.